DHARAMSHALA: The Central Tibetan Administration today marked the World AIDS Day, calling on the Tibetan community to make a concerted effort to fight the disease.The health department organised an awareness event on the occasion to join global campaign of Getting to zero: Zero new HIV infections, Zero discrimination, Zero AIDS related deaths.

In his address, Kalon Tsering Wangchuk, Department of Health, stated that HIV/AIDS is increasingly becoming one of the most dangerous diseases spreading within the Tibetan community and urged the Tibetans to take preventive measures and regular medical tests to combat HIV.The health Kalon also urged those infected with the disease to take proper medication to stop their health from deteriorating and lead a healthy life.He underlined the  need to treat the HIV patients without discrimination and accept them with compassion.Doctors from both the traditional Tibetan and allopathic medical system spoke about ways to combat HIV.Dr Sonam Dhondup from the Tibetan Delek hospital suggested precautionary measures like use of condom, proper medical care during blood transfusion, child birth and breast feeding.Speaking on the traditional Tibetan medical system, Dr Sonam Dolma, a physician at Mentsee-khang underlined the importance of health awareness, proper diet and medication for the HIV patients, and preventive measures to stop the disease in our community. She reiterated that there should be no discrimination against the people living with HIV.

The highlight of the function was a talk by a special guest, Mr Dhamchoe, a HIV patient. He narrated a compelling story of how he contracted the disease and the sufferings that he had to undergo as a HIV patient.“I was sacked from my job after I tested positive for HIV. But that’s just the beginning of my trouble. Soon, people stopped communicating with us. My family was gradually being isolated from the community,” said Dhamchoe with tears in his eyes.Thanking the Central Tibetan Administration for their support towards his family, he requested the public not to discriminate the HIV patients, adding, we are going through a hard time and we need your  moral support.The health department also organised a street play to boost people’s awareness on the prevention of HIV/AIDS on the occasion.